A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about appropriate actions to take when a client threatens to harm a specific individual. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?
“I need to make sure that the potential victim is warned."
"I need to keep the information confidential due to the client's right to privacy."
“I can only discuss the client's threats with a court order."
"I should verbally report this information to the psychiatrist."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "I need to make sure that the potential victim is warned."
Explanation: Correct Answer. When a client threatens to harm a specific individual, it's important to take steps to ensure the safety of both the client and the potential victim. Warning the potential victim or taking appropriate measures to protect them is an important action to take.
B. "I need to keep the information confidential due to the client's right to privacy."
Explanation: While respecting a client's right to privacy is important, when there's a threat of harm to an individual, it becomes a matter of safety that takes precedence over confidentiality.
C. "I can only discuss the client's threats with a court order."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. When there's a credible threat to harm an individual, waiting for a court order is not an appropriate or timely response. Immediate actions should be taken to ensure safety.
D. "I should verbally report this information to the psychiatrist."
Explanation: While involving the psychiatrist is important for the client's overall care, it's essential to take more immediate steps to ensure the safety of the potential victim, such as notifying the appropriate authorities or taking appropriate precautions.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I can see that you trust me, but you should share those feelings with your psychiatrist, not me."
While encouraging the client to discuss their feelings with a mental health professional is important, this response does not address the immediate safety concern presented by the client's intent to harm others.
B. "I will not violate our nurse-client relationship. The information we discuss will remain confidential between us."
This response is inappropriate because it implies that the nurse will keep the information confidential, even though the client's statement raises concerns about the safety of others.
C. "Because you are a minor, I have to share any information that I feel is important with your parents."
While parents may have the right to be informed about their minor child's well-being, this situation goes beyond parental involvement. The nature of the threat requires immediate intervention from appropriate professionals and authorities.
"D. I cannot promise that. I must share this information with other members of the team who are responsible for planning your care."
Explanation: The client's statement about having a desire to harm others, especially classmates and a school teacher, raises significant concerns about the safety and well-being of not only the client but also the potential victims. In cases where the client poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, the nurse has a duty to breach confidentiality to ensure the safety of all involved parties. This response conveys the nurse's ethical obligation to involve other members of the treatment team and appropriate authorities to address the potential threat.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Asking the client to create their own schedule of daily activities may overwhelm them and exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or indecisiveness commonly experienced with depression. The nurse should provide structure and guidance in establishing a manageable routine.
The other options do not align with best practices for caring for a client with major depressive disorder:
B. Teaching passive communication is not appropriate, as assertive communication is typically encouraged to help the client express her needs and feelings effectively.
C.Asking the client to create their own schedule of daily activities may overwhelm them and exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or indecisiveness commonly experienced with depression. The nurse should provide structure and guidance in establishing a manageable routine
D. Limiting involvement in unit activities could further isolate the client and exacerbate her symptoms. Encouraging participation and engagement is generally more beneficial.
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